Daniel Hoyton has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. We play for rival hockey teams. We attend rival universities. Our families are on opposite sides of the law.
I hate him, with his irritatingly smug smile, his arrogance, and his inability to take anything seriously.
I want to wipe that smile from his face with my fist.
…Or my mouth.
I can’t decide if I want to punch him or kiss him, and it’s beginning to be a problem. A problem with big consequences. Not only is he completely wrong for me, but his family and friends are under investigation…and my uncle is in charge of the operation.
I know we’re going to crash and burn.
But I can’t seem to stay away from the flames.
Callous Shot is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series with darker themes. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Dan and Link have been at one another’s throats for a long time. Rivals on and off the ice, these two just can’t help but rile the other one up every chance they get. Add in the fact that their families are on opposite sides of the law, and it’s just a messy affair. But what happens when they find a new way to work out that tension? These two can tell one another they hate each other all they want, but deep down their feelings are anything but hate. But while those two are working out what exactly is going on between them, there are other things they have to worry about. Link’s father is threatening Link to find dirt on Dan’s criminal family or else face the consequences. Link hates his parents, but he would never jeopardize his uncle and young cousin. But what he is feeling for Dan? How can he find a way out of what feels like an impossible situation? Meanwhile, Dan is trying to figure out this latest issue his family and friends are facing, but something isn’t adding up quite right. Can they figure it out? Another great story in this series! I love a good enemies to lovers stories and Dan and Link were definitely a favorite of mine. Their banter and chemistry are so good. And they both are so deeply loyal and caring, especially to each other. The fight they have ahead of them is hard but one they can get through if they can do it together. Great story all around and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.
I’m projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.
But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I can’t escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.
The only problem is there’s only one person I feel safe with, and I'm pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.
TYLER
Ever since I met Colby, I’ve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.
But you shouldn’t notice these things about your teammates.
So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because I’m the only one he feels safe with?
I should say no, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Colby McKay.
I should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.
Colby has had eyes on him in the hockey world since he was a kid. He’s beyond talented and there are high expectations when he reaches the NHL. And while everyone assumed he would go straight to the pros after high school, he declined so he could have at least one year in college before everything changes forever. And while it was a great decision in more ways than one, he still can’t escape the media. So he continues to keep his head down. But there were things he wanted to do in college and before the draft. A big on? Lose his virginity. And his best friend points out the perfect man for the job: Tyler. Colby’s teammate and someone actually feels safe with. When Colby asks Tyler to help him out, he never expected it to be sex related. Tyler’s always been attracted to Colby but he pushed it aside because they’re teammates. Yet, how can he say no? The chemistry between them is insane and the feelings they hoped would stay down, are doing the complete opposite. Their team is on their way to the Frozen Four, Colby is headed for the draft, and Tyler is about to graduate. Can there be a future between them? Loved this story! This is just the beginning for Tyler and Colby. And I’m happy to hear we get a follow up story. This didn’t end on a cliffhanger or anything. It truly was just the beginning of their relationship and the forever they hoped to have. Colby and Tyler were so sweet, in general and especially to each other. They were exactly what the other needed. Colby is navigating this scary world of pro hockey and Tyler is learning to stand up to his family and have the future he wants and deserves. I can’t wait to see what happens with these two next!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dryden Roy’s desire for love died years ago when his marriage ended. He lost things he never thought he’d have to part with, and discovered aspects of himself that he hadn’t known were there. Above all, he learned a hard lesson about trust.
Spencer Davis likes to walk. In fact, it’s his job. A vlogger who lives on the road, carrying everything he owns on his back, he strolls into Siren’s Point looking for footage of lobster boats. What he finds instead is a lobsterman.
Dryden and Spencer are different in too many ways to number. In only one thing can they relate— their mistrust of each other and everyone else.
And yet, a chance meeting in the dark leads to time spent together in the light. Circumstance has them occupying the same space, and it’s only a matter of time before a bond begins to form over knots, lobstering, and the water. But trust is a hard thing to earn, and an even harder thing to give away.
As Dryden and Spencer become close, they discover that some scars are physical, some emotional, but all can heal.
Dryden was done with love when his marriage ended after finding out that his husband cheated on him. A lot. Consistently. So putting trust in anyone else? Might just be impossible. He’s made a new life for himself in Siren’s Point. He keeps everyone at a distance and he’s okay with it. Mostly. Even he will admit there is a part of him that is lonely and he misses having someone in his home. But to put his heart and trust out there again? Not happening. That is until Spencer. Spencer found himself just literally walking around the country after something changed his life and left him with almost nothing. He likes the adventures, he likes walking. But even he can admit that part of it can get scary and never knowing if he will find a safe place to rest is stressful. Trusting Dryden to give him a place to stay and not want anything in return seems impossible. Yet, a very small part of him does. At least enough to accept some help. The longer one another stay in each other’s orbit, the more they get to know one another deeply. They work. Against everything they may have thought otherwise. But will Spencer stay in one place? And can Dryden truly let him in? Such a great story! These two had such a great dynamic in more ways than one. I loved finally getting Dryden’s story and seeing what he was thinking and feeling. We’ve only ever seen him through the eyes of another. I loved watching these two build trust and friendship between them and that it led to so much more. Just another great story in Siren’s Point!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“No pressure either way,” I murmur. “Just opportunity. If you want it.”
I thought I was the one helping him. Giving him something.
How wrong I was.
FRANKIE
I’ve learned something interesting about myself over the years: I’m either the guy after the guy, there to help you recover from your latest romantic disaster, or I’m the guy you experiment with before you move on to find the person you really want.
I can’t blame them. I am awfully pretty.
And judging by the way my brother’s teammate watches me when he thinks no one’s looking, I’ve found myself another curious closeted man.
Well, Ollie-baby, lucky you. This Frankie fun-ride is at your service. Trust me, sweetness, I'll treat you so right. And the best part? It can stay our little secret.
Just don’t get attached.
Because like all rides, this one comes to an end.
I made the mistake once of believing I could have it all.
Never again.
JACKSON
My plan is simple: stay locked up tight until my baseball career is over.
I’m just another straight ballplayer in a straight world, keeping my head down. Because in my family, inside every locker room I’ve ever known—being gay isn’t an option.
Baseball is supposed to be enough. It has been.
Then Frankie Nebiolo walked in and offered me something I couldn’t resist.
A secret place to be myself in a way I’ve never risked before.
With him, I can finally breathe. I can finally want.
Except…the longer we're together, the more painful hiding becomes.
Now I'm starting to wonder if I'd trade everything for the chance to stop pretending.
Hiding in the Outfield is a steamy baseball romance between a touch-starved closeted athlete and a sultry gay man who hides behind his glitter and sass. Expect irresistible yearning, first-times and high-heat lessons, hurt/comfort that cuts deep, and a loud, loving found family that makes healing feel possible.
Jackson has shoved who he truly is deep down the moment it was clear that his family would never approve. The need to hide himself away has been the thing he needed to survive. Even if it meant surrounding himself by some horrible people and even to go as far as pretending to act like them. Until it’s finally he just can’t do it anymore. Because the moment Jackson sees Frankie he knows he is in trouble. Even after they meet, he tries to keep a distance. He promises himself that one day he can be who he is just after his baseball career. But how can he not feel anything for Frankie? Pure sunshine and unashamedly out and proud of who he is. The moment they give in to the attraction between them, it is the beginning of Jackson finally being himself. And becoming the man he was always meant to be. Meanwhile, Frankie learned long ago that maybe he is never anyone’s happily ever after. Burned one too many times, he decides hook ups are enough for him. So why does he find himself basically becoming boyfriends with Jackson? Giving Jackson his safe space to explore this part of him that he was never allowed to do is one thing, but feelings? Totally different. But it’s too late. He is in just as much trouble as Jackson. There are a lot obstacles in their way, but maybe they have a chance of finding the love they have been always craved. I loved these two! I loved Jackson’s growth in this story. He truly had to act pretty terrible because the fear in him was so deep but between Frankie and the friends he was finally able to make when he actually acted like himself, he gets that supportive family he just never had. I loved seeing him grow into himself and find someone who loves him so deeply. And same for Frankie! He deserves all the love after everything he has been through. And no one cares more from him than Jackson. A great story all around! I cannot wait for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matt: Only I could end up in a love triangle between two people.
Caleb: Your geometry has a certain logic, given our circumstances.
Caleb: Except it can’t be “only” you since you’re conveniently forgetting the second person in this triangle.
Matt: I am not. You’re unforgettable.
Matt: I see you preening over there.
Caleb: What can I say? When you look as good as I do—
Matt: Hush, huldrekall. And by the way, no one’s going to know what a huldrekall is.
Caleb: Some will.
Matt: But for those who don’t, do you think we should tell them?
Caleb: No. Let them find out by reading the book.
Matt: Are you also going to tell them how you made getting me in your bed the subject of an ill-advised bet with your frat brothers? Or are you going to keep that from them the way you kept it from me?
Caleb: How many times do I have to apologize?
Matt: Once more.
Caleb: I’m sorry, love of my life.
Matt: Apology accepted.
Caleb: Other Alpha Claw Omega business goes to the grave, though.
Matt: Except when it doesn’t. There was that time when you had to streak across campus. Tons of people saw.
Caleb: It wasn’t that many people.
Caleb: Besides, babes, if you want my tail, you just have to ask for it.
Matt: Are you going to tell them about the book?
Caleb: No. They have to read it for themselves.
Matt: At least give them a hint.
Caleb: Fine. They can read the list of tropes.
Matt: You’re so generous.
Caleb: Don’t give away my secret.
You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. Book one, Boy Meets Monster is a stand-alone m/m romance. This spicy novel is about a rich, cocky frat boy and a nerdy teaching assistant who needs lessons in confidence. Read it if you love a monster who takes one look at a human and says, “That one. I want him.” And then he spends the rest of the book proving that he’s good enough for the human. It’s part of the Creepin U: Season 2 collab series, and each book has a HEA.
After getting literally knocked down by a frat boy in their immature ways, Matt is done. Matt wants a different start to the school year and thanks to his friends, he may just get it. It’s time for Matt 2.0. A more confident version of himself while also actually trying to be himself. So when the frat boy who knocked him over and didn’t stop to apologize shows interest, Matt says no. But deep down he really wanted to say yes. Because despite their rough meeting, Matt kinda feels a connection to Caleb. But Caleb represents a lot of things he likes. Can he truly be different? Caleb wants Matt. He never felt this way before about someone. But Matt won’t give him the time of day. And after hearing reasons why… well, even Caleb can admit he gets it. But he wants to prove to Matt that he can be different. That there is a lot more to him that meets the eye. Can he do it? And that’s not all! We get a lot more to their story than this. Including a loose love triangle, messaging one another anonymously and much more. These two were clearly meant to be but! There is a lot of growing to be done. Especially for Caleb. He grows a lot in this story and it just makes him a better person in the end. And part of that is due to Matt making Caleb come to realize some important things. I really liked his growth. And Matt too. He found the confidence he was desperately trying to fake and standing up for himself. Knowing he deserves more than how he has been treated in the past. A fun story overall! And a great way to kick off this new season at Creepin U!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Eli worked his butt off to earn a spot with the Vermont Trailblazers, and he has absolutely no intention of losing it. Unfortunately, his second NHL season has brought a sophomore slump, an endless parade of team obligations, and the possibility that enthusiasm might not be enough to keep his plates spinning—or keep him from being sent to the minors. So naturally, this is the perfect time for Nolan Madolora—his coach’s son, his sister’s ex, and the man Eli had an impossible crush on a decade ago—to walk back into his life.
Nolan knows a thing or two about not fitting in, which makes getting paid to figure out why the Trailblazers work so well together almost funny—he’s in Vermont to conduct a team culture audit and deliver an objective assessment. What he shouldn’t do is get involved with one of the players, especially when that man is Eli Parker: his ex’s little brother, ten years his junior, and all grown up in ways Nolan is trying very hard not to notice.
When Nolan and Eli stumble across an old set of unsent letters at the arena, amateur sleuthing gives them an excuse to spend more time together—and makes ignoring their growing attraction increasingly impossible to resist. Eli’s old crush has a chance of becoming something very real, while Nolan’s carefully maintained objectivity doesn’t stand a chance against the one person he never thought to look at twice. The closer they get—to the truth and to each other—the harder it becomes to remember all the reasons getting involved is a terrible idea.
Eli has worked very hard for his spot on the Vermont Trailblazers. And despite that was his rookie season, he did well. But now, second year in and he is on what they are calling his sophomore slump. He has no idea what to do about it. Practices go well, but game time? Not so much. Then add in the fact that he feels like he can’t say no to every single media related thing people ask him to do. He’s drowning and doesn’t even know it. But the good thing in his life? Nolan. Ten years ago, Eli was a teenager and realized that the guy he had an instant crush on was his sister’s boyfriend. But it’s been a long time since they were a couple. And now Nolan is in Vermont working with the team. Eli wants to take his chance. Because ten years later, they are both older and wiser and there is definitely an attraction between them. Can he tell Nolan how he feels? Nolan never expected to suddenly catch feelings for the brother of a girl he dated long ago. He should feel weird about it, right? But being with Eli is anything but weird. It’s oh so easy. And when they stumble upon a mystery, they work together to solve it. And maybe this will be the thing to bring them together. Loved these two! Utterly adorable as they tried to navigate how the other felt about them and if they need to take that first step. And when they finally do, they just are clearly meant to be. Loved getting to know them and it was so fun trying to solve the mystery alongside them. Great series all around!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Length: 90,000 Series: South Shore Serpents #1 Prior Reading: Prior reading NOT required Genre: Dark, Sports, New Adult/College, Contemporary, Polyamory Tropes:
- MMM - Hockey Romance - Enemies to Lovers - Best Friends to Lovers - Masked men - Bi Awakening - Pining - touch him and die - found family
Trigger/Content Warnings: Explicit sex scenes, dubcon, history of child abuse, history of abduction, murder, attempted murder, violence, mention of child murder, ptsd, severe injury, stalking, dog napping (but funny) Designer: Sandra Maldo
I was never anyone's first choice. Until two monsters made me their only one.
One bad decision leads me into the woods and straight into the hands of two masked strangers who chase me through the dark, pin me down, and leave me questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.
Then I learn who they are. Serpents.
And not just any Serpents, but six-foot-ten Hunter Kincaid and his other half, six-foot-eight Atlas Trembley. Atlas gets under my skin like a splinter. He fights me, steals from me, and doesn't care that I want to kill him. He's counting on it.
Hunter doesn't speak. He takes. He decides. And he's decided on me. They even call me Little Titan like I belong to them.
The worst part? I want to belong to the two hockey players who fight over marshmallows and look at me like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to them.
But Hunter's past isn't done with him. And when it threatens to tear us apart, I learn exactly what kind of monsters my Serpents are.
My eyes fall on the one person I never expected to see here, and I stop dead in my tracks. Maybe six cars away is one very familiar Titan.
Cody Jenkins.
The mouthy little shit who keeps coming back, no matter how many times I put him on his ass. Five ten, maybe, built low and compact, and stubborn enough to swing at me even though I've got ten inches and sixty pounds on him.
I like fighting him. There's something about the way he refuses to stay down that makes putting him there more fun than it should be. "Well, this night just got more interesting."
Hunter walks up beside me. “Why the fuck is he here?”
Good question. Jenkins doesn't have a mask on. Doesn't have an armband on either. His hands are shoved into the front pocket of his hoodie, and his head is swiveling like he's looking for someone specific, not looking to play.
He stalks past us, close enough that I could reach out and grab the back of his neck. His shoulders tense as he does, but he's too busy scanning the crowd to look twice.
Then his steps falter, body going rigid.
Can’t tell what he’s looking at since his back is to me, but he’s facing our captain, who’s surrounded by three women. I tilt my head, watching. “Does he know it’s Cap? Bet he’ll start shit if he figures it out. Kind of hope he does.”
Hunter doesn't respond. He's too locked in on Jenkins.
Everyone starts making their way to the designated areas, marking the start of the event. Those with green armbands move toward the tree line while the people with blue armbands gather at the traffic cones near the parking lot.
Hunter and I slip on our blue armbands and hang a few feet back from Jenkins. He doesn't move to either group. Just stands there, watching the crowd sort itself around him as if he unknowingly wandered into someone else's game.
I grin under my mask, bouncing on my toes. "He didn't sign up for this, and he definitely came looking for a fight."
Hunter grunts. "He found one."
Whatever tonight was supposed to be just got replaced by something else. The pining, the threesome I didn't want, the girl who's pretty like a painting—gone.
The Titan is on our turf . . . and this I know what to do with.
Jenkins checks his phone, then tucks it into his back pocket. He maneuvers through the pack, edging closer to our captain.
The first airhorn blares, and those wearing green armbands run into the woods.
I shake out my hands, muscles flexing, blood surging through my body. Under my mask, my lips are pulled into a wide grin. But it’s not friendly.
Hunter is still beside me. Poised. Locked in.
The second horn blares, and our group takes off. Jenkins is ahead of us, cutting through the pack with the same quick, aggressive stride he uses on the ice.
That’s right, you cocky little shit. Run. Because I’m coming to get you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
EV Olsen is an MM romance author who loves to write about Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. EV enjoys writing angsty or darkish type romances whether set in contemporary, PNR, or even post-apocalyptic worlds. https://www.instagram.com/evolsenbooks http://www.facebook.com/evolsenbooks https://www.evolsen.com
